A study examining biblical texts suggests that Jesus Christ and his apostles might have used anointing oil made with cannabis to heal individuals suffering from debilitating diseases. This research has sparked a thought-provoking conversation about the potential role of cannabis in ancient religious practices, particularly those connected to Jesus and his followers. Evidence points to cannabis likely being a central component of anointing oils during biblical times, supporting the idea that Jesus may have harnessed the plant for its healing properties.

The Hidden Role of Cannabis in Ancient Biblical Anointing Oils

Recent scholarship has reignited debate about the potential use of cannabis in biblical anointing oils, particularly during the time of Jesus. Chris Bennett, writing for *High Times*, has drawn attention to the term “kaneh-bosem,” which appears in the Hebrew Bible and is traditionally thought to refer to aromatic reeds like calamus. However, Bennett builds on the work of Polish anthropologist Sula Benet, who in 1936 suggested that this term was a mistranslation and could refer to cannabis. Benet’s research, documented in essays such as *Tracing One Word Through Different Languages* and *Early Diffusions and Folk Uses of Hemp*, traced the term through ancient languages and demonstrated that it likely refers to cannabis.

Carl Ruck, a professor of classical mythology at Boston University, adds to this argument by claiming that cannabis had an important part in ancient Judaic religious activities and would have been present in early Christian ceremonies. Ruck reminds out that cannabis was easily accessible in the area and had a long history of use. In an interview with *The Guardian*, he asserted that “there can be little doubt about a role for cannabis in Judaic religion,” implying that the herb was most likely a component of the sacred mixes used for anointing in both Judaic and early Christian rites.

The presence of cannabis in these anointing oils may help explain the healing miracles ascribed to Jesus and his disciples. The oils of the period were prepared from a combination of spices and herbs, but the inclusion of cannabis may have increased their strength due to its well-known psychotropic and therapeutic characteristics. If cannabis was a vital element, it would imply that the plant was treasured not just for its spiritual importance, but also for its practical medicinal properties, which played an important part in the religious and healing traditions mentioned in biblical scriptures.

Cannabis-Infused Anointing Oils and the Healing Miracles of Jesus

Novel perspectives on the miraculous healings related in the Gospels arise from the hypothesis that cannabis was a part of Jesus’ and his apostles’ healing regimen. Chris Bennett contends that the anointing oils that Jesus and his disciples used were potent therapeutic mixtures that may have included cannabis as a major component, rather than merely ceremonial uses. Cannabis was well recognized in antiquity for its therapeutic qualities, especially in the treatment of pain, inflammation, and skin disorders. The Bible describes events in which Jesus healed people of a variety of diseases, such as leprosy and blindness, in which the calming and anti-inflammatory properties may have treated cannabis-infused oils.

Unlike modern-day cannabis use, which often involves smoking or ingesting the plant, the method of applying cannabis through infused oils allows for absorption through the skin. This method could have provided localized relief for those suffering from conditions such as skin diseases or joint pain, conditions commonly mentioned in biblical healing narratives. According to Bennett, those anointed with these oils were “literally drenched” in the potent mixture, which could explain the profound, almost immediate effects attributed to Jesus’ healing touch. This theory suggests that Jesus’ healing may have been enhanced by the medicinal properties of cannabis, in combination with spiritual or symbolic elements of the rituals.

If cannabis was included in Jesus’ anointing oil, this finding sheds new insight into the nature of his healing miracles. Rather than depending only on supernatural powers, Jesus may have used natural medicines, harnessing the strong effects of plants such as cannabis, which were widely available and well-known for their medicinal virtues. This perspective bridges the gap between the miraculous and the medical, arguing that the power of Jesus’ healings stemmed from a comprehensive grasp of natural ingredients as well as heavenly intervention. This viewpoint not only changes our understanding of biblical miracles but also reflects the larger usage of plant-based medicine in ancient religious and therapeutic traditions.

Modern Implications of Ancient Cannabis Use in Religious and Medical Contexts

Cannabis’s possible relevance in Jesus’ healing practices and early Christian healing practices calls into question the way the plant is currently seen in both religious and medical contexts. Modern audiences are encouraged to reevaluate the historical and spiritual importance of cannabis as public opinions about it change due to rising acknowledgement of its medicinal advantages and growing movements for its legalization. It is possible that cannabis had a major role in ancient religious ceremonies. Should cannabis have played a significant role in Jesus and his disciples’ healing practices, this would challenge the stigma attached to the plant and emphasize its potential as a respectable means of promoting both bodily and spiritual healing.

This study reveals that cannabis was not just a revered drug in ancient times, but also a useful one, employed for its medical benefits. As cannabis re-emerges in contemporary medicine, particularly in pain management, anxiety reduction, and the treatment of chronic illnesses, critical issues regarding its broader potential uses arise. Could the use of cannabis in ancient therapeutic rituals lead to a resurgence of plant-based medicines in religious or spiritual settings today? For many, the historical link between cannabis and early Christian practices makes a persuasive case for its inclusion in modern therapeutic approaches, whether in medical, alternative, or religious organizations.

Bottom Line

The study suggesting that cannabis may have been a key ingredient in Jesus’ anointing oils offers a provocative reexamination of ancient religious and healing practices. If true, it could mean that cannabis was used for its therapeutic properties in Jesus’ healing miracles, blending natural remedies with spiritual rituals. This theory invites modern readers to reconsider the historical and medicinal significance of cannabis, potentially reshaping its perception in both religious and medical contexts today.

JESUS AND ANCIENT CANNABIS, READ ON…

WHAT IF THE BURNGING BUSH WAS ACTUALLY SATIVA?

As your friendly neighborhood cannabis connoisseur, I’ve been singing the praises of legalization for years. The end of prohibition, the dawn of a new green era – it’s been a beautiful thing to watch unfold. But folks, I’ve got to tell you, not everything in this budding industry is coming up roses. Today, we’re going to peek behind the emerald curtain and take a hard look at a troubling trend that’s casting a shadow over our cannabis utopia.

Remember all those promises about social equity? How legalization was supposed to right the wrongs of the War on Drugs and give opportunities to those most affected by prohibition? Well, it turns out that some slick operators have found a way to game the system, using predatory contracts to exploit the very people these programs were meant to help.

I recently came across a story out of Missouri that made my blood boil faster than a dabbed-out teenager’s parents. It seems that some big-money players are using qualified applicants – we’re talking disabled veterans, people with past marijuana offenses, folks who’ve been historically disadvantaged – as fronts to win lucrative cannabis licenses. These vultures swoop in with promises of funding and support, only to bury the fine print that essentially strips away any real ownership or control from the supposed beneficiaries.

Now, I’m all for partnerships and mentorship in this industry. Lord knows, getting a cannabis business off the ground is no easy feat. But what we’re seeing here isn’t partnership – it’s parasitism. It’s the corporate equivalent of bogarting a joint, and it’s threatening to turn the dream of an equitable cannabis industry into nothing more than a pipe dream.

So buckle up, dear readers. We’re about to take a trip to the dark side of legalization, where the only thing getting higher than the customers are the profits of those exploiting the system. It’s time to shine a light on these shady practices and figure out how we can get this industry back on track to being the force for positive change we all know it can be.

Picture this: Destiny Brown, a Black disabled veteran, thinks she’s hit the jackpot. She’s been recruited to own and operate a small-scale Missouri cannabis dispensary, with the promise of a cool $200,000 just for being the face of the operation. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, as your pal Reginald always says, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Our girl Destiny didn’t read the fine print of that 40-page contract she signed with cannabis investor Michael Halow. And boy, was that fine print finer than the trichomes on top-shelf bud. While Halow was singing sweet nothings about $2 million in startup funds, the contract’s sneaky language aimed to give him full ownership of the business. Destiny? She’d just be the legal front, a puppet on a string for a dude with a felony record that might disqualify him from holding a license himself. Talk about a bait-and-switch!

But here’s the kicker, folks – this isn’t just one bad apple in the barrel. This is happening all over, with massive corporations using “social equity” as a smokescreen to corner the market. These corporate fat cats are gobbling up licenses meant for those most affected by the War on Drugs faster than I devour a bag of chips during a serious case of the munchies.

Here’s how it works: They find someone who checks all the right boxes – maybe they’re a person of color, maybe they’ve got a past marijuana offense, maybe they’re from a low-income area. They promise them the moon and the stars, dazzling them with visions of cannabis entrepreneurship. But in reality, these folks are nothing more than employees – sometimes very well-paid employees, but employees nonetheless – of some mutual fund firm or big cannabis conglomerate.

So when you hear about a “Black-owned dispensary” in your neighborhood, dig a little deeper. Chances are, it’s about as Black-owned as a sunset is owned by the sun. It’s just a clever bit of marketing, a way for these big corporations to justify their presence in a market that was supposed to prioritize the little guy.

Now, I’m not saying every social equity program is a sham. There are genuine efforts out there to level the playing field. But too often, these programs are being exploited by those with deep pockets and teams of lawyers, leaving the very people they were meant to help out in the cold.

It’s a far cry from the vision of legalization many of us had. We thought we were building an industry that would right the wrongs of the past, create opportunities for communities devastated by prohibition, and maybe spread a little love and understanding along the way. Instead, we’re watching as the same old story of corporate greed plays out in a new arena.

But don’t lose hope, my cannabis friends! Reginald hasn’t given up on the dream of a truly equitable cannabis industry. In fact, I’ve got some ideas on how we can turn this ship around. But before we get to that, let’s take a moment to really let this sink in. The cannabis industry, born from counterculture and social justice movements, is at risk of becoming just another playground for the rich and powerful. It’s enough to harsh anyone’s mellow. But fear not – in our next segment, we’ll light up some ideas for a brighter, more equitable future in cannabis.

If we want to level the playing field in the cannabis industry, we need to lower the bar of entry. It’s as simple as that. We can’t expect folks who’ve been disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs to suddenly have fat stacks of cash to invest in a dispensary. That’s like expecting a sapling to weather a hurricane – it ain’t gonna happen.

So, how do we give these good people a real shot? We make licensing and operations as easy as rolling a joint (well, maybe a bit harder, but you get my drift). That’s why I’ve been pushing for a Two Tier System that could revolutionize the way we approach cannabis business.

Picture this: Tier One, the “Average Joe” tier. For a cool grand a year, anyone could get licensed to grow and sell their own cannabis to willing customers. Think of it like a Farmer’s Market for weed. No need for the same rigorous testing as the big boys – we’re talking small-scale, community-focused operations. Imagine a world where Destiny Brown could set up shop at a local market, selling her homegrown strains directly to the people. And if dispensaries need to restock? They could buy from these small growers too, breaking free from the stranglehold of single suppliers.

Now, here’s the kicker – this tier would have a profit cap of $1 million. Hit that mark, and it’s time to graduate to the big leagues.

Speaking of big leagues, let’s talk Tier Two – the corporate tier. This is where your hedge funds and massive cannabis conglomerates would play. Higher initial costs, stricter regulations, but also more privileges like selling in major retailers and developing new products. It’s a fair trade-off – you want to play with the big boys? You gotta pay to play.

Under this system, we’re not just paying lip service to equity – we’re creating real opportunities. Someone like Destiny Brown wouldn’t need to sign her life away to some shifty investor. She could start her own gig with minimal upfront costs, and let the free market decide if she’s got the goods.

And let me tell you, friends, this is what made America great in the first place. Free markets, open competition, the chance for anyone with a dream and a strong work ethic to make it big. It’s time we brought that spirit back to the cannabis industry.

If we truly want social equity, we need to tear down these ridiculous barriers to entry. Let people be free, independent, and build their businesses from the ground up. No more of this corporate puppeteering nonsense.

Think about it – with a system like this, we could see a renaissance of craft cannabis. Small growers could experiment with unique strains, creating a diverse marketplace that caters to every preference. We’d be fostering innovation, supporting local economies, and giving people real ownership over their businesses.

This isn’t just about making money, folks. It’s about creating a just and equitable industry that lives up to the ideals of the legalization movement. It’s about righting the wrongs of the past and creating opportunities for those who’ve been left behind.

So, my cannabis comrades, it’s time to stand up and demand real change. No more settling for false promises and predatory contracts. Let’s push for a system that truly empowers individuals, fosters competition, and creates a diverse, vibrant cannabis industry. That’s what real equity looks like, and that’s the future I’m fighting for.

Who’s is with me?

SOCIAL EQUITY CANNABIS BRANDS, READ ON…

SOCIAL EQUITY CANNABIS BRANDS THAT YOU SHOULD SUPPORT!

At VIST Labs, innovative cryogenic pasteurization technology addresses one of the industry’s most pressing issues: microbial contamination. With more than 100 patents and three decades of experience in food, pharmaceutical, and cannabis packaging, Jim Sanfilippo is revolutionizing cannabis safety.

In a market valued at $35 billion, Sanfilippo’s breakthroughs are essential for cannabis brands aiming to uphold product quality while managing intricate regulatory hurdles.

From Nuts to Frozen Nuggs: A Journey of Packaging Innovation

Jim Sanfilippo’s expertise in packaging didn’t begin with cannabis. His roots trace back to his family’s food business, where his innovations revolutionized how perishable goods were preserved. Sanfilippo’s pioneering work in oxygen-free packaging started with something as simple as nuts. Recognizing that oxygen was a key factor in the degradation of food, he developed advanced packaging methods that extended shelf life and maintained product freshness. These early breakthroughs in food safety laid the foundation for future innovations in both the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Sanfilippo’s packaging methods were created to preserve the integrity of delicate goods by removing oxygen from the surrounding air and preventing contamination and spoiling. This strategy proved to be so effective that it attracted the interest of significant figures in the packaging sector. After selling two of his company’s divisions to packaging behemoth Sonoco in 2017, Sanfilippo made the decision to concentrate his skills on a brand-new, quickly expanding market: cannabis.

“Cannabis is a $35 billion industry in the U.S., but it faces significant challenges with microbial contamination,” Sanfilippo says. Sanfilippo recognized an opportunity to apply similar concepts to cannabis, keeping the plant’s potency, flavor, and safety while solving the industry’s essential issue of contamination. His packaging solutions have previously prolonged the shelf life of other goods. His transition from food to cannabis was more than simply a financial decision; it was a logical step for a seasoned entrepreneur trying to address complicated issues in a field ripe for disruption.

Sanfilippo’s packaging methods were created to preserve the integrity of delicate goods by removing oxygen from the surrounding air and preventing contamination and spoiling. This strategy proved to be so effective that it attracted the interest of significant figures in the packaging sector. After selling two of his company’s divisions to packaging behemoth Sonoco in 2017, Sanfilippo made the decision to concentrate his skills on a brand-new, quickly expanding market: cannabis.

Today, Sanfilippo’s innovations in cannabis packaging mirror the same meticulous approach he took in his family’s food business, ensuring that every product remains as potent and pure as the day it was harvested.

Cryogenic Pasteurization: The Cannabis Industry’s Hidden Solution

VIST Labs’ invention centers on cryogenic pasteurization, a procedure that sterilizes cannabis while retaining its natural components using medical-grade cryogenic vapor. “Cannabis is often contaminated with yeast, mold, and harmful pathogens like Aspergillus,” adds Jim Sanfilippo.

He explains that traditional sterilizing procedures, like as gamma radiation or ozone, might harm cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in lower-quality goods.

How it works…

VIST’s method lowers oxygen levels to prevent oxidation and stop microbial growth without compromising product integrity. The process starts by loading 4-5 pounds of cannabis into a product cassette, which is then placed inside the pasteurization machine, a refrigerator-sized unit.

The VIST chamber is then activated, using cryogenic vapor formed by vaporizing liquid nitrogen at -320°F and combining it with a medical-grade atmosphere.

In just 90 to 150 seconds, the chamber fills with vapor, reducing oxygen levels to as low as 95%, effectively eliminating harmful microbes like Aspergillus, E. coli, and Salmonella.

Once sterilized, the product is rapidly cooled with liquid nitrogen, preventing oxidation. Finally, a HEPA filtration system purifies the air, removing any residual contaminants and ensuring the cannabis is packaged in aseptic, low-oxygen conditions for maximum purity and stability.

A Modular Solution for the Cannabis Industry

VIST Labs’ cryogenic pasteurization machines are built with modularity in mind, providing flexibility for both mid-sized cultivators and large-scale operations. “We can operate in cassette mode at 25 pounds per hour, or scale up to our high-output setup, handling up to 40 pounds per hour,” said Jim Sanfilippo in an interview.

But VIST Labs’ system is more than just a sterilization machine—it’s a comprehensive packaging solution. After sterilization, the cannabis is transferred into a bulk device that packs it into bags of various sizes, ranging from one to ten pounds, or into smaller pouches for quantities like an eighth-ounce. “Our system includes a cooler, pouch bagger, and other components that work together to maintain a near-zero oxygen environment,” Sanfilippo explained.

This scalability makes VIST’s technology suitable for a wide range of cannabis businesses, whether they’re aiming to meet strict medical market standards or preserve medical-grade crops for export.

The aseptic packaging system adheres to European Pharmacopoeia standards, ensuring compliance in both domestic and international markets.

VIST’s forward-thinking technology also prepares cannabis companies for potential federal legalization. As federal oversight looms, Sanfilippo emphasizes that more stringent regulations, particularly around truth-in-labeling, will make compliance technologies like theirs vital for long-term success.

“With our system, we offer protection for the crop year and complete microbial control for up to a year,” said Sanfilippo, noting that VIST expects to package nearly 150 million pounds of outdoor-grown cannabis in 2023 alone.

Beyond decontamination, VIST’s system addresses a critical issue in the cannabis industry: the degradation of THC potency over time. Fluctuating oxygen levels in packaging often result in mislabeled products, leading to recalls and regulatory consequences.

“Within 45 to 50 days, THC levels can degrade by 10% or more, making label claims inaccurate,” said Sanfilippo. VIST’s modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) ensures product stability for up to a year, helping brands stay compliant and maintain product safety.

Bottom Line

VIST Labs, led by packaging innovator Jim Sanfilippo, is transforming cannabis safety and preservation with its cryogenic pasteurization technology. By freezing cannabis at -320°F, this groundbreaking process effectively eliminates microbial contamination without compromising the plant’s integrity. Offering scalable, modular solutions for cultivators of all sizes, VIST Labs ensures compliance with stringent industry standards, both in the U.S. and internationally. As the cannabis market expands and federal regulations tighten, VIST’s forward-thinking technology positions brands for long-term success by maintaining product quality, extending shelf life, and safeguarding potency—crucial elements in a $35 billion industry.

PROS AND CONS OF FREEZING CANNABIS, READ ON…

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF FREEZING MARIJUANA?